From Deseret News archives:
Former 'Idols' are finding success
Here's a list. Some seasons were better than others. The breakdown:
Season 1, Kelly Clarkson: After winning, Clarkson signed with RCA Records, the label in partnership with "American Idol's" 19 Management. Clarkson's first single, "A Moment Like This," debuted at No. 52 but marked the biggest jump in Billboard Hot 100 History when it shot to No. 1 breaking a record set by the Beatles. She has won two Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards and 12 Billboard music awards; one of only two "American Idols" to win the big three music awards.
Runner-up Justin Guarini, who is spotted in the audience from time to time, continues to act in independent films and works on jazz CDs. But third runner-up Tamyra Gray has been on Broadway appearing in "Bombay Dreams" and "RENT."
But there was some controversy over the voting, which would later see the voting procedures changed, Studdard went up against the super-popular Clay Aiken. Aiken, surpassed in sales by only Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, has become the most successful male and most successful runner-up in "Idol" history, and he made his Broadway debut this year in "Spamalot."
Also from Season 2: Josh Gracin when on to record a country album and had three singles appear on the charts. Kimberly Locke has released two albums.
Season 3, Fantasia Barrino: Fantasia dropped her last name and went on to release an album in 2004 becoming the top-selling single that year and received four Grammy nominations for her double platinum debut album. Fantasia joined the Broadway cast of "The Color Purple" to critical acclaim and is signed on to star in the movie musical version.
More notably, Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson was discovered this season. Hudson came in seventh place during the competition and is the only "Idol" to win an Oscar.
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